When you think of a black box, your mind may go to aviation, as these devices are most commonly associated with airplanes. However, you may be surprised to find that your vehicle may also contain an event data recorder! As such, if you’ve been involved in an accident in Florida, understanding what these devices do and if you can use the information gathered as evidence is critical in the fight for justice. The following blog explores these matters as well as the importance of working with a Broward County car accident lawyer to help you fight for the justice and compensation you are entitled to for the damages you’ve suffered.
What Is a Black Box Device?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration declared in 2014 that all new cars must be equipped with a black box, formally known as an event data recorder (EDR). This is a small device that collects information about the car before, during, and after an accident. This helps investigators determine how the accident happened and provides greater insight as to who is at fault.
Some information that may be gathered includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Vehicle speed
- Steering angle
- Driver brake application
- If the ABS or AEB was activated
- If the driver was wearing a seatbelt
- The force of impact
- If and when the airbags deployed
Some EDRs are also equipped with GPS, audio recording, and video capabilities. This can help investigators determine the precise location of the vehicle in the moments leading up to and during a collision. It should be noted that if a device has recording capabilities, it will typically be limited to 20 seconds.
Can I Use the Data as Evidence?
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that, unlike other states in which the data and information stored on an EDR is considered the property of the vehicle’s owner, meaning it cannot be accessed without their consent or a court order from police, Florida does not have any specific laws regarding who can access this information. As such, the best way to protect yourself is to connect with an experienced personal injury attorney in Florida. They can help you access the information from your vehicle’s EDR and fight to obtain the data from the black box of the other vehicle involved in the accident.
It’s imperative to understand that the data collected by a black box can help you in the event of a legal battle with the negligent driver responsible for the injuries. For example, they may claim you were speeding at the time of the accident, which was a greater contributing factor than their negligence. However, you may be able to pull data from your vehicle’s black box that shows you were adhering to the speed limit. Not only can this show that you were not to blame, but if the data from the device aligns with the statements you’ve made to the police, it can help you establish your credibility.
If you are involved in an accident due to the negligent actions of another driver, fighting for the justice you deserve in these matters is critical. That’s why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced personal injury attorney from the Finizio Law Group. Our firm knows how devastating a collision can be, and that’s why we are committed to helping you through these difficult times. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for you.
